"Y/N, are you ready?"
I nod. Alisa holds out her hand for me to take.
"Let's go then."
We head off to the shops in the plaza. I can't help but think back to the times where I'd visit there with Elise.
"Y/N, is there anything you want?"
"Huh? No, not really..."
"You seem deep in thought."
I shake my head.
"It's nothing."
We head on.
"Y/N, do you know why I asked you out today?"
"No... why did you?"
"Today is a special day..."
"Is it?"
She nods.
"It's the day I first..."
"Y/N! You're here too?"
Ah, it's B/N and Prince Leonas...
"What are you two doing here?"
B/N chuckles.
"We're shopping around. Are we disrupting your date?"
"What.. no way. It's just a friendly outing"
"Yeah sure.."
He says giving us a knowing look.
As the left, I looked back at Alisa.
"What were you going to say, Alisa?"
"Hm? Oh, it's nothing important."
_____________________________________
"It's the day I first..."
The day I first fell for you.
Gazing at her back as she turned towards the two men.
I clench my fist tightly, it's taking too long for me to confess...
When I first fell for her, it was way before that day...
Back then, I met her in the city. She never told me her name, but I could recognise that face...
I didn't notice it sooner, but I know her.
When I saw another noble cling to her side... I thought...
Ah, that should've been me...
When I met her again at the party, i snuck in there knowing she'd be with that same noble again...
I hoped to learn her name.
When I did, I'd say it everyday.
Y/N L/N, it had such a nice ring to it.
Someday I hoped that I she would answer for my callings.
I clung to her. I found out how she was destined to die before we could get into the academy.
I stopped it. I'd save her so she didn't meet her doom.
All this while, she probably didn't notice...
And then...
"N/N... I love you..."
"I love you too, Elise."
I hid away.
When were they together? I looked down at the charm I'd gotten her.
She would've survived even if I didn't protect her.
She already has her.
_____________________________________
"Alisa! You alright?"
"Hm?"
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine."
Jeez, she's been spacing out a little ever since B/N and Prince Leonas had left.
"Where would you like to go now?"
Alisa smiled gently. She must've already planned everything out huh.
"Shall we take a small detour? I'd like to go somewhere."
"Sure."
Where does she want to go?
I take her hand as she leads me somewhere.
"Where are we going...?"
"Just wait and see."
She starts leading me further away. Into a small forest away from the city.
Moments later, we arrive in a small clearing.
"Just beyond here..."
As she stepped aside, it revealed a beautiful garden with many colourful flowers.
As I turn back to Alisa, she holds a white flower in her hand. More specifically, a carnation.
"Here, for you."
"This is..."
What is the meaning of this?
The meaning of this flower...
I furrowed my brows.
"Y/N..."
She held up my hand.
"What are you doing...?"
She slowly brought it up to her face, as she leaned down slightly and pressed her lips softly against my knuckles.
It was gentle and slow, as if she was afraid I'd be scared off.
"Y/N... I..."
"I love you."
"...?!"
She pulled me closer to herself, and I felt something brush against my ear.
When she pulled back, the carnation she held earlier was tucked behind my ear.
She smiled ever so slightly.
_____________________________________
There's no mistake. I saw it.
So her and Elise have already...
That red mark on her neck...
It seems I had played my cards wrong...
Was I too slow?
Maybe... just maybe not all hope is lost yet.
But after this... there's no way she can look at me the same way again...
_____________________________________
She just... she... likes me that way?
I already have Elise... but... Can I really say no to her?
"I..."
I'm really sorry.. but...
"Please give me some time to think about it..."
Alisa chuckles.
"I'll wait as long as I have to... as long as it's for you."
Don't say that.
How can you say that so easily?
Are you not hurt?
"Y/N, shall we head back now?"
I nod wordlessly.
The journey back was awkward. She walked me back to my room before leaving for hers.
I stared at her fading figure in the hallways before entering my room and shutting the door.
_____________________________________
I sent her back to her room before leaving.
Did I get rejected?
I don't think so. She hasn't given me a definite answer.
"Alisa. May I have a word?"
"Ah, Lady Elise..."
Could she be angry about me stealing Y/N today?
"How did it go?"
I shake my head and sigh.
"She wants to think about it for a while..."
"I see..."
"..."
No words are exchanged.
She keeps her eyes locked in mine.
"I've thought about it."
"...?"
"If she accepts you.. I can't help it."
Huh?
"So then... if she does end up accepting you... then... I'll share her with you."
"You... would?"
"I don't want her keeping things from me. Might as well be open with it. Besides, I know what you've been doing."
"You..."
"You're strong. You can protect her well."
She placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Lady Elise... are you sure...?"
She nods.
"Call me Elise from now. Whether she accepts you or not... isn't up to me. But it doesn't matter if she does or not. I've already acknowledged you. Don't try anything shady, and we'll get along well."
Ah... but even then... the one she likes most...
No, I'm fine like this.
As long as she's happy... does it really matter?
If she's happy, I'm happy.
I've already been accepted by Lady Elise...
And if she rejects me, I don't plan on giving up.
I'll make her fall for me. Just like she did...
"Let me help you out!"
She doesn't remember...
"Uh... are you sure...?"
Such a kind soul...
Ah, I love you so much.